The loan signing from Tottenham saw red after retaliating to a late challenge from Wade Elliott, raising both hands and pushing his adversary to the ground in full view of the referee.

"He is a young lad and he is still learning," said Cooper afterwards.

"You cannot do that and he has let himself and the team down.

"It's right in front of the referee and he has left him with no option but to send him off.

"Alex is a good young player with a bright future in the game, but he will be dealt with just like anyone else and he will be fined."

Pritchard's team-mates defended heroically to save his blushes and Copper revealed: "Fair play to the lad, he has waited in the tunnel to shake every one of his team-mate's hands after the final whistle.

"We came under a lot of pressure and showed we have a bit of steel and character about us. I'm pleased with the point."